Apple challenges EU demand to open iOS features to third-party developers

Apple is appealing a decision by the European Commission, which in March required the Cupertino company to expand the availability of certain iOS features, such as notifications, to third-party accessory manufacturers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), The Wall Street Journal reports.

In a March 2025 European Commission ruling, Apple was forced to grant full access to the notification system, background execution rights, and access to iOS system features to third-party developers. These features, which are mostly exclusive to AirPods, Apple Watch, and other company products, were supposed to improve the interaction of third-party accessories with the iPhone.

The company appealed the ruling to the General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg on May 30, 2025. An Apple spokesperson called the rules "deeply flawed" and added that the EU ruling would force Apple to share confidential information with competitors, posing security risks to European users.

"At Apple, we design our technologies to work seamlessly together to deliver the unique experiences our users love and expect from our products. The EU's interoperability requirements threaten this foundation, creating an unreasonable, costly process that stifles innovation," the spokesperson said in a statement.

An Apple spokesperson also noted that companies are already requesting access to sensitive user data, such as notification content, full notification history, or even saved Wi-Fi networks. He added that this appeal should help protect European users and continue to provide them with a "high-quality experience."

At the same time, a representative of the European Commission noted that these rules fall entirely under the "Digital Markets Act", and that the commission will defend these changes in court.